Total Population
443
Population
Growth Rate
-0.14%
Median Age
51
Diversity Index
8.200
Rowlesburg is a community steeped in historic beauty and charm. In 2008, Rowlesburg marked its Sesquicentennial, commemorating 180 years since its founding. Originally established as a railroad town, Rowlesburg witnessed its first train crossing the Cheat River on Christmas Day in 1852 during the peak of the Sawmill Industry. The town was officially designated a Historic District in 2005 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing over 50 historic buildings and a small park area at the time. The Nassif Building on Church Street stands as Rowlesburg's oldest surviving structure. Rowlesburg attained ON TRAC status in 2009 and became a Main Street Affiliate in 2021.
The community of Rowlesburg is exceptional not only for its friendly residents, a willingness to lend a helping hand, but its sports gatherings at Rowlesburg Park, art gallery, historical museums on Main Street and evening dances with live music.
The Rowlesburg community, set within magnificent mountains and hills and surrounded by the Cheat River, proudly features its festival schedule, including the famous Ox Roast, River City Festival of the Arts, Christmas Market, Chestnut Festival and much more. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Cheat River for its boating and kayaking, tubing and swimming experience.
The memorable exhibit at the Szilagyi Center (old Rowlesburg School) showcases authentic military uniforms, memorabilia, medals, war posters and photographs.
With ten high schools within Preston County, each with its own sports program, a group of representatives within the ten schools organized a museum in the Szilagyi Center highlighting the area’s sports history, including baseball, basketball and football. To add to the museum, many former athletes donated meaningful items.
The Szilagyi Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is owned and operated by the Rowlesburg Revitalization Committee, Inc. The renovated building is home to the WWII Museum, B & O Depot and Museum, Riverbend Art Studio and the Preston County Sports Museum. The center has rooms available to rent for corporate gatherings.
Unique to Rowlesburg, visitors can view the Tray Run Viaduct sitting high on the hill, in late fall or early spring, with less leaf coverage. The historic railroad bridge operates today and is the infamous bridge on the back of the West Virginia State Seal.
Known as a strategic location in the Battle of Rowlesburg during the Civil War, visitors can view the Cheat River and the railroad bridge that was the focus of the battle from the heights of Cannon Hill. Tours are available from May through October via the Rowlesburg Area Historical Society.
Rowlesburg is situated near the Allegheny Trail, which runs through the forested hills of West Virginia from the Pennsylvania border until it meets the Appalachian Trail on Peters Mountain at the Virginia border. Nature lovers will love the beautiful vistas and wildlife viewable along the trail, whether they seek a short day trip or enjoy a multi-day excursion.
Rent a boat at the River House Lodge and cruise down the Cheat River Water Trail, immersing yourself in the beautiful scenery Rowlesburg has to offer.
Home of the River Lions, Rowlesburg School offers programming for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade.
The Rowlesburg Senior Center is one location of Preston County Senior Citizens, Inc. Residents of age 60 or older find the Center an excellent source for healthy activities, camaraderie and programming for health, medical and financial needs.
Rowlesburg is famous for its variety of festivals from May through December. Bringing the community together, the River City Festival of the Arts portrays a living history performance, symphony and band performances and much more.
Rowlesburg Park is the site of the Annual Labor Day Ox Roast, featuring live music, food, fireworks and a variety of kid-friendly activities.
Held in the fall, the Chestnut Festival celebrates the beauty of Autumn with community activities including breakfast in the River City Cafe, park activities on the bank of the Cheat River, sampling and purchasing savory roasted chestnuts and local vendors selling authentic crafts and wares.
The Annual Christkindlmarkt features an abundance of vendors displaying their original Christmas gifts. The festive environment is complete with live music, food, Christmas decorations and crafts.
The multi-acre community park is enjoyed by all, with riverside space including a lighted walking path, basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis court, river access, picnic pavilions perfect for barbecues. There’s even a summer concession stand for grabbing a snack in the sun! The park is equipped to house reunions, parties and picnics. Cheat Mountain is just 10 miles east of Rowlesburg Park.
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Total Population
443
Population
Growth Rate
-0.14%
Median Age
51
Diversity Index
8.200
Households
208
Owner Occupied
179
Renter Occupied
29
Vacant
52
Median Household
$52,681 $58,568
Average Household
$67,023 $77,380
Per Capita
$31,469 $36,580
Total Businesses
21
Total Employed
116
Workers 16+
225
2024 Educational Services - Businesses
Businesses
3
Employed
42
2024 Public Administration
Businesses
5
Employed
20
2024 Retail Trade Businesses
Businesses
3
Employed
12
2024 Mining Businesses
Businesses
1
Employed
12
2024 Food & Beverage Retailers
Businesses
2
Employed
10
2024 Other Service excl Pub Admin
Businesses
3
Employed
9
Average Commute Time
0 min.
Resident Commuters
176
Non-Resident Commuters
35
Drive Alone
179
Carpooled
30
Public
0
Work At Home
4